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Baptism

Parents seeking to have a child baptized at St. Ambrose, St. Matthew, or St. Sylvester parishes must call the parish office at 724-697-4129 at least four weeks prior to the desired date for their child’s baptism. Please note that first time parents should contact the respective parish office to arrange a meeting and attend a baptism preparation session with the priest as soon as they are pregnant. Parents should also begin the selection process of a sponsor (godparent). This should be a person whose practice of the faith will inspire the child throughout their life.

Qualifications of Sponsor Eligibility

  1. Be designated by the candidate, by the parents or guardians, or the pastor.
  2. Have the qualifications and intention of performing the role of sponsor.
  3. Be at least 16 years old.
  4. Be a fully initiated Catholic (received baptism, confirmation and Eucharist).
  5. Lead a life in harmony with the faith and role of a sponsor (i.e., be an active member of a parish, attend Mass on Sundays, participate in the sacraments and holy days, not be in an irregular marriage, etc.).
  6. Not be bound by a canonical penalty.
  7. Not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.

 Our diocese continues the practice of requiring proof of eligibility for sponsorship. Simply stated, sponsors must obtain a document signed by their home pastor to show their eligibility to be a sponsor for baptism.

The number of sponsors

  1. Only one sponsor is required for baptism.
  2. If, two sponsors are chosen one must be male and the other female.
  3. If necessary, the second sponsor may be a Christian witness (i.e., a non-Catholic Christian may fulfill this role).

In the event that neither the candidate, nor the parents or guardians select a sponsor, pastors may appoint a member of the parish community to fill the role of sponsor. Many parents are often concerned that they cannot find a suitable sponsor for a variety of reasons (i.e., unavailability of family members, being new to the area or unfamiliar with parishioners, etc.). 

Non-Christians may not serve as a godparent or Christian witness for a child’s baptism.

Letters of approval to serve as a sponsor cannot be issued to persons who find themselves in one or more of the following categories:

  1. Persons married outside of the church.
  2. Divorced persons who have remarried without an annulment.
  3. Unmarried persons who are co-cohabiting.
  4. Baptized Catholics who no longer practice the faith. (ex. attend a protestant